Those Who Have Gone Before

One of my most unexpected blessings of having weight loss surgery has been the community of people I've discovered who have also had surgery.

There are so many blogs and discussion boards out there that offer support, encouragement, and my favorite - recipes!!

One of these blogs is: http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/

Shelly's recipes are amazing!! She's giving away an ice cream maker in honor of her birthday! Of course I entered! So pop on over and try to win it too!

What are your favorite blogs/sites for weight loss surgery? Where have you found your support?

5k and 50 Pounds!

This weekend I participated in my first 5K!

It was an amazing and emotional experience. I chose the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure. It was so awesome to be with so many people in our nation's capital working together to end breast cancer. I rode the metro (our subway) downtown and was so inspired to see all the people getting on the train who were race participants. One group really touched me. They had camo shirts that said, "Heather's Team". About 15 team mates got on the train and then there was Heather. It was obvious that Heather is in the midst of her battle. Head wrapped in scarf, donned with a tiara she got on the train pumped and ready to walk! I was so touched by this display of friendship and courage. It was amazing. I cried for the first time that day!

Dr. Jill Biden spoke as we got ready to walk. I was pretty excited and ready to get going. I was walking with a team of people and we were all ready to get started! It gets going pretty slowly with all the people who are there walking. But we did get moving. It was hot and I was sweating but we were walking! We walked for what seemed like a long time and then we can to the cut off. They have a 1 mile cut off (instead of a 5K you can just do 1 mile). This cut off is mostly for the ill and disabled people who are walking. That's when it started. The doubt. Can I make it? Why I am doing this? Why don't I just quit?

I could have quit. I could have cut the race short and walked only 1 mile. I really thought of it. I even figured out my excuses to use with my group.

I nearly did, but I didn't.

I am not a quitter anymore. I've quit a lot of things in my life. Mostly the saxophone and diets but those are in the past. I am not quitting again!

I finished that race. It was HARD! I don't know how I did it but I did! As I crossed the finish line I broke down in tears. I cried because I did it! I finished something that at one time seemed impossible. I cried for all the women- all the sisters, daughters, and mothers battling cancer, I cried praying that my nieces and daughters would never have to walk to end cancer, I cried because I am a new person.

I was so exhausted I don't know how I walked 5 blocks back to the metro. But I did. Everything hurt! To top all that off I found out today I walked with an upper respiratory, ear, and sinus infection!

I am 50lbs down too! I am over that little hump and back to loosing. I have to keep getting that exercise into my schedule but I am glad to be loosing again!

Thanks for all the support and encouragement! It really means a lot to me!

Official First Fill

I had my first fill today.

3 cc of liquid were injected into my band. I was a little nervous but everything turned out just fine. I could fill my band inflating.

The doctor said I am doing very well. I fell like I could be doing better. I am not sure if I have unrealistic expectations or not. I just really want to get down FAST!

I hate that I keep yo-yoing back and forth. Hopefully this fill will be just what I need to kick it up a notch here!

I did manage to make it to the gym today! Honestly that is the real secret! Getting my booty moving!

On another note; tomorrow is my first 5K! Granted I'll be walking but it is my first 5K post op. I am doing the National Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. I am pretty excited and just hope I can make it across the finish line without too much drama!

That Dreaded P Word

Well it's happened!

I've plateaued! (commence dramatic music)

Well not sure if it's a plateau but I keep gaining and loosing the same 5 lbs. Vacation has really messed up my mojo and I have three more coming this summer! Plus I haven't been exercising regularly. You know there is always an excuse!

I am trying to get back on track but having a really hard time. I've lost that little mental band I had. By mental band I mean that I had this fear that I may get sick if I ate too much. Well now I know I can eat way more than 1 cup at a time. You know my biggest weakness is salad! Man I love me some salad! That stuff just slides right down!

So, all that said, it's time for my first fill. I am going in on Friday for a fill. I am hoping that will give me a little more restriction and more will power to get back on track!

Check in with me later this week to see how that fill goes! I really want to be 199lbs by January 1!

Wish me luck!